Mary Wilson has thanked the Buffalo Bills fans for their support following the death of the franchise's founding owner, Ralph Wilson.

The 95-year-old, who established the team in 1960, passed away last month.

His wife, who has taken over as controlling owner until the team is sold, said at his memorial: "I want to take this opportunity to thank Bills fans and people everywhere for their tremendous outpouring of love for Ralph. Their heartfelt condolences and warm wishes have truly been a comfort for me, Ralph's daughters Christy and Dee Dee, Mary Owen and the entire Wilson family during this difficult time.

"He loved his Buffalo Bills and he loved the fans. Before he passed, he told me that he wanted people to celebrate his life after he was gone. He wasn't big on tears. And so that's why we are referring to events such as the one today as 'celebrating' the life of Ralph Wilson.

"Ralph most likely would have offered a funny quip about today's event. But at the same time, he would have been profoundly touched by the fans outpouring of emotion."

Boston Bruins owner Jeremy Jacobs and businessman Donald Trump are among those to have been linked with a takeover of the team.